NEW MILFORD -- A youth baseball team has raised more than $1,000, but not for what you might expect.

The 12 boys of the 10U (ages 10 and under) New Milford Pride have donated $1,100 to Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House -- money raised during this season's hit-a-thon when the players belted more than 300 hits.

"So many kids think baseball is the end all, be all," said Julie Pokrinchak, a team mom. "I wanted to show the boys that you can help out your community doing what you love."

Seventy-five sponsors rewarded the players with 25 cents for a single and 50 cents for a double, for example. The team has played 32 games this season with two more games coming up this weekend.

"My wife is always looking for creative ways to raise money for charities," said Kirk Pokrinchak, Miles' father. "The players went out and got sponsors. My wife created an Excel spreadsheet and sent copies out to the sponsors with a tally of hits."

Loaves & Fishes President Lisa Martin was delighted Tuesday to hear of the team's success and generosity.

"This is amazing," Martin said. "We always encourage the youth to get involved with helping others, but this was tremendous. We are so proud and privileged to count the Pokrinchak family and the boys of this team as friends."